What would be different if you were more persistent about “going for” the shifts and goals you want to experience in your life?

Whether you want to write your book, grow your business, experience more love in your life, surrender to a spiritual path, feel more JOY, etc… any endeavor you take on requires a certain type of persistence if you are going to get through to the other side and have the experience you desire!

So, it’s important to understand where you stand in relation to being persistent when it comes to goals in your business, and your life. There a few common “persistence profiles” you may fall into… only one of which is truly beneficial and serving you at the highest. I’m going to use a “Goldilocks” analogy to illustrate this point and help you discover your “persistence profile.”

Persistence Profile #1: Too Much

If you fit into this profile, you may be persistent to a fault… continuing to pursue goals and endeavors that are NOT the highest and best ones for you. You are likely unwilling to release a goal because you are committed to doing what you said you would do, even if it means self-sacrificing and doing something that perhaps doesn’t fuel you anymore.

Persistence Profile #2: Too Little

If you fit into this profile, you may not be persistent enough. You have a tendency to quit when the going gets tough and assume that it must not be meant to happen if it isn’t easy. You often stop just short of experiencing great success and totally fulfilling personal shifts, because you didn’t hang in there long enough to bust through to the other side.

Persistence Profile #3: Just Right

If you fit into this profile, you have a great way of discerning between being too persistent and not being persistent enough. You are willing to forge forward and “dig in” when the going gets tough. But, you’re unwilling to continuously knock your head on a brick wall when you hit one. You have the intuition and savvy to know the difference between a temporary block and a solid brick wall. You are committed to your goals, yet are willing to change course when all signs point you in a different direction.

Take a moment to assess which profile you fit into. And, begin to focus on finding a workable balance when it comes to your persistence. I wish there were an easy “cut and dry” formula I could give you for striking this balance, but only YOU will truly know if you are pushing too hard for something or giving up too easily.

For now, simply reflect on a goal or two and think about where you stand in terms of your persistence as it relates to that goal. And, the goals can be anything… not just a material/external pursuit. The goal you may need to be persistent with is having more patience with your spouse or children, reaching out to new business associates, setting aside time to write your book, or to exercise, etc.

You get the idea here. Think about these goals that are truly important to you. Do an honest assessment of how persistent you are in regards to them. And, if something doesn’t feel right (you’re being too persistent or not persistent enough), make the decision to have a “just right” experience when it comes to persisting with your goals and dreams.

And, if you want to get started now, I encourage you to take the action step below…

Action Step

Identify a breakthrough or goal you want to achieve. Next, choose one action you will take consistently in order to achieve your desired outcome. The outcome you desire can be in any area of your life; professionally, personally, emotionally, spiritually, financially, etc. Get crystal clear on the breakthrough AND the specific action you’ll take consistently. Finally, pay close attention to how persistent you are the pursuit of your breakthrough (or goal) and aim for a “just right” balance.

I’m not sure if you can ever be too persistent, but I think that Christine makes some great career success points here. I particularly like the action step she suggests – especially the specific action part. I think that is geat career advice.

Let me close with my favorite quote on persistence, from Calvin Coolidge the 30th President of the United States.

“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan ‘press on’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.”

Thanks to Christine Kloser for her great career advice on persistence. What’s your take on what Christine has to say? Please share your thoughts with us by leaving a comment. As always, thanks for reading these musings on life and career success.